A Thickly Layered Sashiko Stitched Boro Mat: Nice Indigos

early twentieth century
24" x 22 1/2", 61 cm x 57 cm

This beautifully colored and piece constructed indigo dyed "mat" is composed of several layers of cotton cloth that are sashiko stitched together.

This off-square boro cloth seems to be taken from a larger piece, possibly a kotatsugake or hearth cover, and that said, two of its four sides are finished, which indicate that it may have been extracted from a larger piece.

The colors and the composition of the indigo dyed cottons are beautiful, as is the age of the cottons which compose this piece.  The thick, sashiko stitching is done using indigo dyed cotton thread.

The size and configuration of this piece makes it seem that it was intended to be used as a zabuton or sitting mat or something similarly functional.

Each of its two sides is interesting to look at with one of them showing abrasion to the surface, easily seen in the accompanying detail photographs.

Recommended.